Friday’s Trade To Black Podast, host Shadd Dales and Anthony Varrell review three major headlines that have been shaking up politics and finance this week. First, we’ll discuss how Alice Marie Johnson, once serving a life sentence, has been tapped as President Donald Trump’s new “pardon czar” and how much this might impact cannabis sentiment. Next, we discuss the potential dismissal of the SEC’s lawsuit against Coinbase, removing what many consider to be a sizable regulatory obstacle. We’ll also dive into New Hampshire’s House approval of HB 75, and Dan from TheChartGuys will break down recent price action.
Could this new “pardon czar” role foreshadow a cannabis-friendly shift at the White House, or is it just optics? Gretchen Gailey joins the show to provide an insider perspective on Washington, DC. While the appointment signals a positive step in terms of justice reform, it was a missed opportunity to appoint someone with direct cannabis advocacy experience, like Weldon Angelos. Gretchen stresses that meaningful progress in cannabis policy must come from Congress passing actual laws, rather than relying on administrative actions that can be reversed or stalled.
The SEC’s decision to drop its lawsuit against Coinbase could be the beginning regulatory shifts under the Trump administration, particularly in favor of crypto markets. Crypto bulls are already celebrating as the commission appears to move away from the strict approach championed by former SEC Chair Gary Gensler. We’ll also explore David Sachs’ role as a crypto and AI czar in Washington and how this move is part of a broader deregulation trend.
New Hampshire’s House approval of HB 75 legalizes adult-use cannabis possession without establishing a regulated market. The bill’s future is uncertain; Gov. Kelly Ayotte has hinted at a possible veto, though public support for legalization in the Granite State remains strong.
Finally, Dan from TheChartGuys will break down recent price action and share what marijuana investors can expect in the weeks ahead, especially as the industry awaits possible rescheduling news. This and more when you tune in to this episode.
